Grrrrrr..... I need advice. Please. :)

keylareed
keylareed Posts: 27 Member
edited September 25 in Health and Weight Loss
I have been on MFP for about a month. The first week or so, I lost 5 lbs. and I was under my calorie goal. I also started exercising. :) The last 3 weeks or so I have gained a half pound. I had been under 1200 calories EVERY DAY! I realize that my body is probably in "starvation mode", but I need help getting out of it.....

Over the weekend I decided to shoot for about 1700 calories a day to try to jumpstart my metabolism. I did not exercise and I ate all my calories and I lost the half lb. I had gained. Yesterday, I went back down to 1200 calories and I exercised and I gained back the same half lb.

I am literally on the verge of tears.

Last summer I ate between 1200 and 1400 calories a day and exercised every day and lost 25 lbs. in two months. I didn't gain any of it back over the winter. I need to lose another 40 lbs. so I should not be having this much trouble losing. :(

HOW HOW HOW can I get out of this slump?

Replies

  • cherrieruns
    cherrieruns Posts: 342 Member
    there is a lot to be said about not having the exact amount of calories every day. The theory is that the up/down in total calories keeps your metabolism going. I don't know if that is true or not. I do know that when I keep my calories about 1600 or so and I workout I lose weight. Doesn't mean that is the magic number for you but it seems like you know your amount. Also, it seems like you are getting on the scale alot. You should either take your weight every day and then average it at the end of the week or (better yet) stay off the scale more. We retain water, etc daily and it can mess with our heads when we see the number go up/down. good luck, stay on track and you will start to see your results.
  • helenmelon29
    helenmelon29 Posts: 787 Member
    Im not sure what to suggest but I think your body goes up and down from day to day so dont weigh yourself as much, maybe once a week max.

    I think you need to eat a minimum of 1200 per day (including your exercise).

    I havent been on here long, so not best to advise.x
  • twooliver
    twooliver Posts: 450 Member
    It seems your body is telling you it needs more calories...how about trying 1400 a day for a week and see what happens?
  • jane77
    jane77 Posts: 489
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/198152-finally-making-great-progress
  • shander7
    shander7 Posts: 613 Member
    Make sure you watch your sodium and sugar intakes, I finally put those up and realized how much I was actually having! After I cut down on those I lost (at least I think so, I want it to be constant a few days before I know for sure!) You could also try zigzagging your calorie intake to see if that helps too. Don't get too discouraged!
  • PoorGirlEatingHealthy
    PoorGirlEatingHealthy Posts: 209
    My thoughts are that you might need a little more for your daily needs. Under the tools tab there is a bmr calculator that shows what you would burn in a day if u stayed in bed. I have noticed that my success is usually when i fluctuate a little from day to day (about 200 calories or so). That being said I don't always do that so my weight loss has been slow going. Some of the foods we eat, though low cal, also tend to retain belly fat (i.e. diet soft drinks) due to the chemicals they contain. Another thing to remember is to switch up your workouts a little. Our bodies get used to the same physical activity so when we hit a plateau it is good to change things up a bit. An example is that someone lose faster walking a few days and strength training a few days then say someone who just does the walking....I hope this is helpful :)
  • Just1forMe
    Just1forMe Posts: 624 Member
    I had been under 1200 calories EVERY DAY!

    Over the weekend I decided to shoot for about 1700 calories a day to try to jumpstart my metabolism. I did not exercise and I ate all my calories and I lost the half lb. I had gained. Yesterday, I went back down to 1200 calories and I exercised and I gained back the same half lb.

    It would really help if you could open your diary up for a day or two. Also, when you are talking about 1200 cals/1700 cals, are those NET calories or total calories? That makes a big difference...
  • joaniegray
    joaniegray Posts: 88 Member
    Try adding a bit of either avocado or a few nuts to each meal. Like you I stalled for at least 2 weeks, trying to do 12-1400 calories a day plus at least 1 hour of exercise a day (not heavy exercise, just walking, dancing). I am very pleased with this site. Lost 10 pounds since Jan 24th, 7 of those after joining here. But it is slow, but steady. Do not be discouraged, just keep at it. I cheat now and then, but I find EXERCISE is the key.

    Also this week, I added a few nuts to my lunch and avocado at my dinner (not a lot, maybe 1/4 of an avocado).
  • onvacation
    onvacation Posts: 24 Member
    Don't weigh everyday! Your weight will go up and down normally! Have you tried eating somewhere in between 1200 and 1700 and exercising? Also try measuring yourself. Sometimes we lose inches and not pounds!

    Good luck!
  • joaniegray
    joaniegray Posts: 88 Member
    Measuring instead of weighing is a good tip. Sometimes even though not losing pounds we are losing inches. Good tip from Onvacation.
  • fcrisswell
    fcrisswell Posts: 234 Member
    *disclaimer....I am no expert!*

    I had gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago. Lost a bit over 200 pounds. I can tell you that even on such a restricted calorie diet (in the beginning you are lucky to get down 400 calories) your body goes thru these stalls. Restrict calories you lose. Sound simple. But then your body adjusts to the restriction and you stall. Even my surgeon would say....eat a bit more. The stall would end and viola!!! weightloss again. Stall....change your exercise routine...viola!!! Stall ends.

    Eventually my body got comfortable at a certain weight even though it was not my "goal" weight. Yes, I probably could have upped more exercise or lowered calories, etc. But I was comfortable with my lifestyle at the time and settled happily where I was.

    After having a baby...I now am back to wanting to lose these 25 pounds I put on (plus a few more if I can). Hence the reason I am here.

    My point is...the human body is a miraculous thing. It has the amazing ability to adapt. Even with surgical intervention....the body will recover and in time will adapt to the new mechanics. To change the outcome you need to keep it guessing and continually change what you are doing, be it eating, exercising, or a combination of the two. There is no magic-cure...it is a constant "battle".
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